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Freelance Structural Packaging Design Jobs in Washington

Cuisine Solutions

CPG Packaging Designer

Sterling, VA · Hybrid

In this mid-level role, you will own the end-to-end packaging design process from structural development and material selection through final print production for our retail and consumer-facing ...

Cuisine Solutions

CPG Packaging Designer

Sterling, VA · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

In this mid-level role, you will own the end-to-end packaging design process from structural development and material selection through final print production for our retail and consumer-facing ...

Cuisine Solutions

CPG Packaging Designer

Sterling, VA · On-site

In this mid-level role, you will own the end-to-end packaging design process from structural development and material selection through final print production for our retail and consumer-facing ...

Structural

Senior Structural Engineer

Columbia, MD

$99K - $135K/yr

Experience in design for gravity loads as well as design of latera load resisting systems. * Good ... submittal packages and reports. * Team and solution oriented with positive attitude. * PE/SE ...

VHB

Structural Engineer - Building Design

Washington, DC · Hybrid

$110K - $150K/yr

Overview ABOUT THE POSITION Structural Engineer - Building Design | Hybrid As part of our ... In addition, VHB offers a holistic benefits package which can be found here. If you're a more ...

VHB

Structural Engineer - Building Design

Washington, DC · On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

Overview ABOUT THE POSITION Structural Engineer - Building Design | Hybrid As part of our ... In addition, VHB offers a holistic benefits package which can be found here. If you're a more ...

VHB

Structural Engineer Building Design

Washington, DC · Hybrid

$110K - $150K/yr

ABOUT THE POSITION Structural Engineer - Building Design | Hybrid As part of our structures growth ... In addition, VHB offers a holistic benefits package which can be found here. If you're a more ...

Orano

Mechanical / Structural Engineer

Columbia, MD · On-site

$95K - $120K/yr

... design and development of various spent nuclear fuel storage and transport packages. This qualified individual will be responsible for conducting mechanical/structural static and dynamic analyses ...

Mead & Hunt

Structural Design Engineer

Columbia, MD · On-site

$92K - $125K/yr

Mead & Hunt has a full-time opportunity available for a Structural Design Engineer in our Columbia ... Impressive benefits package Mead & Hunt proudly offers medical, dental, and vision insurance; paid ...

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Freelance Structural Packaging Design information

What is freelance structural packaging design?

Freelance structural packaging design involves creating the physical shape, structure, and functionality of packaging for products, working independently rather than as a full-time employee. Designers in this field focus on developing innovative, practical, and attractive packaging solutions that protect products, enhance branding, and improve the customer experience. Freelancers may work with various materials such as cardboard, plastics, or eco-friendly options, and collaborate with brands, manufacturers, and printers to bring packaging concepts to life. Their work often combines engineering, graphic design, and marketing knowledge to meet client needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance structural packaging designer?

To excel as a Freelance Structural Packaging Designer, you need a strong background in industrial or packaging design, materials knowledge, and proficiency in 3D modeling and prototyping. Familiarity with CAD software (such as ArtiosCAD or SolidWorks), dieline creation, and an understanding of printing processes are typically required. Creative problem-solving, effective communication, and time management are essential soft skills for collaborating with clients and managing multiple projects. These competencies are crucial for delivering innovative, functional packaging solutions that meet client needs and industry standards.

What are some common challenges freelance structural packaging designers face when working with clients remotely?

Freelance structural packaging designers often encounter challenges such as communicating complex design concepts and ensuring that their creative vision aligns with the client’s brand and manufacturing constraints. Working remotely also means relying heavily on digital prototypes, which can make it harder to evaluate the tactile aspects of packaging until physical samples are produced. Additionally, coordinating with multiple stakeholders—such as brand managers, printers, and manufacturers—requires strong project management and clear documentation to avoid miscommunication and delays.

What is the difference between Freelance Structural Packaging Design vs Freelance Graphic Packaging Design?

AspectFreelance Structural Packaging DesignFreelance Graphic Packaging Design
CredentialsKnowledge of packaging materials, structural engineering, CAD toolsSkills in graphic design, branding, Adobe Creative Suite
Work EnvironmentDesigning physical packaging structures, prototypesCreating visual graphics, labels, and branding elements
Industry UsageManufacturers, packaging companies, product brandsBranding agencies, product companies, marketing firms
Search & Comparison IntentDesigning physical packaging structuresCreating visual graphics for packaging

Freelance Structural Packaging Design focuses on creating the physical form and structure of packaging, requiring engineering and material knowledge. In contrast, Freelance Graphic Packaging Design emphasizes visual aesthetics and branding elements. Both roles are essential in the packaging industry but serve different purposes in the product presentation process.

What are the most commonly searched types of Structural Packaging Design jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Structural Packaging Design jobs in Washington are:

What are popular job titles related to Freelance Structural Packaging Design jobs in Washington?

For Freelance Structural Packaging Design jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Freelance Structural Packaging Design jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Structural Packaging Design jobs in Washington are:

Freelance Structural Packaging Design jobs near you

CPG Packaging Designer

Sterling, VA • Hybrid

Cuisine Solutions
Food and Drink Manufacturing • 201 - 500 employees

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

109th of 443 rated food and drinks producers

Great coworkers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Learn more about Cuisine Solutionsexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Job Title: CPG Packaging Designer

Location: Sterling, VA (Hybrid – 3 days in office / 2 days remote)

Department: Marketing

Reports To: Senior Designer

Position Overview

We are looking for a talented and detail-oriented CPG Packaging Designer to join our creative team. In this mid-level role, you will own the end-to-end packaging design process from structural development and material selection through final print production for our retail and consumer-facing product lines. You will collaborate closely with internal stakeholders and external printing vendors to ensure every package meets the highest standards of quality, brand consistency, and functionality.

Key Responsibilities

Packaging Design, Development & Commercialization

  • Design compelling packaging artwork for retail and consumer product lines.
  • Create 3D packaging mockups for internal reviews, presentations, and client approvals.
  • Develop packaging structures, dielines, and material specifications, including comprehensive Bill of Materials (BOMs) and technical packaging specifications, ensuring high manufacturability and cost-efficiency across supply chain systems.
  • Partner with cross-functional teams at packaging line trials and production start-ups, actively monitoring machinery capabilities to ensure proper execution of the design and structural requirements.
  • Travel to printing vendors for first-run press checks and production oversight (approximately once per month).

Optimization & Sustainability

  • Identify, investigate, and lead cost-reduction initiatives on packaging materials and design improvements without compromising technical packaging requirements.
  • Ensure all packaging complies with regulatory, legal, and brand guidelines.
  • Partner with cross-functional teams to integrate innovative, sustainable materials into the portfolio to reduce the company's environmental footprint

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Project Management

  • Coordinate seamlessly with cross-functional teams and external vendors to drive packaging projects from brief to commercial launch.
  • Build and manage comprehensive project timelines, effectively communicating milestones, capital expenditure estimates, and associated technical risks to functional leaders.
  • Manage relationships and coordinate directly with printing vendors on structure, materials, finishes, and production requirements.
  • Collaborate with the broader design team to support additional creative projects as needed, including digital assets, marketing collateral, and presentations

Qualifications

Required

  • 3–5 years of experience in CPG packaging design
  • Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Illustrator and Photoshop
  • Solid understanding of packaging production processes, print specifications, and material types
  • Experience creating 3D mockups using Blender or comparable 3D software
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
  • Comfortable traveling to vendor facilities approximately once a month

Preferred

  • Experience with Canva for internal content and templated design needs
  • Familiarity with AI-powered design tools (e.g., Adobe Firefly, Gemini Nano Banana, or similar)
  • Proficiency with Microsoft 365 tools including PowerPoint, Teams, and Outlook
  • Experience in the food and beverage or CPG industry is a plus

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